What is Aquaponics?

Not-So-New Idea

Aquaponics is a farming method that can be traced as far back as the Ancient Chinese, Ancient Greek, and the Aztecs of America! It combines standard aquaculture (farming of fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) into a symbiotic system. Fish waste is converted to nitrogen rich fertilizer which is then used to water and fertilize the plants. The plants then pull clean the water, which is then recycled back into the fish tank.

The Aquaponics Cycle

Dual Purpose System

Not only is aquaponics a superior way to grow plants, it is also an easy way to produce fish. The types of plants you can grow in an aquaponic system is limited only by the growing methods selected (Deep Water Culture, Nutrient Thin Film, or Flood and Drain). The types of fish that can be raised are then selected to match the water and nutrient requirements of the plants. Tilapia are the most commonly used fish in aquaponics, but other common fish include bass, trout, catfish, and koi.

Benefits of Aquaponics

Though the benefits of aquaponics are (almost) countless, the ones we think that are most important are: